The competitive scene in Dota 2 is always evolving, and this year’s The International 2024 (TI 13) brought with it a surprising new record: 25 heroes went completely unpicked during the event.
Among these, 21 were left uncontested, setting a milestone in the 13-year history of the tournament. But what exactly led to such a significant number of heroes being left out? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Were These Heroes Ignored at TI 13?
Dota 2 is known for its diverse hero pool, with over 100 characters to choose from, each offering unique strengths and synergies. However, at TI 13, the meta narrowed sharply, favoring specific playstyles that left many heroes out in the cold. Here are some key factors:
- Ranged Carries Dominated: The meta shifted in favor of ranged carries, with items like Gleipnir playing a crucial role. This item’s ability to grant farming efficiency and act as a crowd control tool made ranged heroes more viable than melee cores.
- Nerfs from Patch 7.37: The balance adjustments in patch 7.37 further sidelined melee cores, with once-popular picks like Tidehunter and Axe being notably absent. These heroes, often known for their ability to initiate team fights, no longer fit into the faster-paced, burst-heavy meta of 2024.
- Faster-Paced Matches: TI 13 saw an increase in early aggression, with teams opting for heroes that come online quickly. This led to the rise of Luna, Windranger, and Mirana as popular picks, while late-game scaling heroes were largely ignored.
- Save Supports & Damage Mitigation: As burst damage became a focal point in the meta, the value of supports like Shadow Demon, Omniknight, and Tusk skyrocketed. Meanwhile, heroes like Kunkka, known for mitigating early burst damage, were highly contested.
Impact on the Meta and Future Updates
The exclusion of 25 heroes is a stark reminder of how quickly the meta can shift in Dota 2. The reliance on faster-paced strategies and early-game dominance has sidelined heroes that don’t align with these goals. As the community anticipates Crownfall Act IV and the upcoming release of the hero Kez, we expect a post-TI patch that will shake things up once again.
Key Heroes That Went Unpicked at TI 13
- Tidehunter
- Axe
- Anti-Mage
- Medusa
- Dazzle
- Shadow Fiend
These heroes, once staples of competitive play, were left unpicked either due to the meta’s emphasis on early game dominance or direct nerfs in recent patches.
Conclusion
TI 13 has set a new precedent with a record number of unpicked heroes, showcasing how Dota 2’s evolving meta can drastically change the viability of its characters. As we look forward to the post-TI patch, fans are eager to see which heroes will rise in the new meta and whether the sidelined characters will make a comeback.
Stay tuned for updates on how Crownfall Act IV and the upcoming changes will impact the game!